now you are mine, to-night at last i say it;

you're a dove i have bought for sacrifice,

and to-night i slay it.

here in my arms my naked sacrifice!

death, do you hear, in my arms i am bringing

my offering, bought at great price.

she's a silvery dove worth more than all i've got.

now i offer her up to the ancient, inexorable god,

who knows me not.

look, she's a wonderful dove, without blemish or

spot!

i sacrifice all in her, my last of the world,

pride, strength, all the lot.

all, all on the altar! and death swooping down

like a falcon. 'tis god has taken the victim;

i have won my renown.